Guide to Visiting the Vasa Museum, Stockholm
Plan your visit to the Vasa Museum in Stockholm and marvel at the awe-inspiring Vasa Warship, a true gem of maritime history.
© 2024 The Middle Age Wanderer
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Nestled in the heart of Stockholm, Sweden, the Vasa Museum houses a stunning example of maritime history, the Vasa Warship. This 17th-century warship is a must-see for anyone visiting Sweden. Whether you’re a history buff, lover of maritime tales, or simply curious, the museum offers a glimpse into the past.
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The Vasa is housed in the Vasa Museum on the island of Djurgården in Stockholm. Djurgården is a popular destination filled with parks, museums, and attractions. The museum is easy to reach by public transport, bike, or even on foot from central Stockholm.
Opening Hours: From September to May, the Vasa Museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (until 8 pm on Wednesdays). From June to August, it is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. The museum is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Admission Charges: Check the museum website for the most up-to-date admission fees.
Temperature: The museum’s temperature is kept between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. This is to keep the ship preserved, so you may want to take a coat with you.
Accessibility: The museum is accessible, with lifts to every floor and accessible bathrooms on the ground floor.
The Vasa’s story is one of ambition, tragedy, and rediscovery. King Gustavus Adolf commissioned the ship as a symbol of Sweden’s naval power during the Thirty Years’ War.
Construction and Design: The Vasa was constructed at the Royal Shipyard in Stockholm between 1626 and 1628. The 69-metre warship had been lavishly decorated and equipped with 64 cannons. This made it one of the most formidable warships of its time.
The Fateful Voyage: The Vasa set sail on its maiden voyage on 10 August 1628. Tragically, it travelled less than a mile before capsizing and sinking in Stockholm harbour. This was due to design flaws and instability caused by too much weight on the upper decks.
Rediscovery and Salvage: In 1956, Anders Franzén, a marine technician and amateur archaeologist, rediscovered the Vasa after it had spent 333 years underwater. In 1961, engineers salvaged the ship in a remarkable feat and brought it to the surface almost intact. The Baltic Sea’s cold, brackish waters had preserved the ship’s wooden structure exceptionally well.
The Vasa Museum: The Vasa Museum opened on 15 June 1990. It provides a permanent home for the ship and its artifacts and allows visitors to explore this incredible piece of history up close.
The Vasa Museum is more than just a display of a ship; it’s an immersive experience that takes you back to the 17th century. Here are some highlights of what you can expect to see:
The centrepiece of the museum is, of course, the Vasa itself. The ship stands proudly in the main hall, and visitors can view it from multiple levels. This lets you appreciate its size, intricate carvings, and impressive construction. Walking around the ship, you’ll notice details like:
The museum features several permanent and temporary exhibitions providing context and deeper insights into the Vasa and its era.
Before you leave, stop by the museum’s gift shop for souvenirs, books, and replicas related to the Vasa. The museum café offers a variety of Swedish treats and refreshments, providing a pleasant spot to relax and reflect on your visit.
You can enhance your visit with a guided tour or audio guide.
Take a guided tour with knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information and fascinating stories about the Vasa, its crew, and the time it was built. Note that guided tours run every day between June and August only.
You can listen to the audio guide (in a number of languages) on your own device with the guide being available on the museum website.
The Vasa Museum is not just for history enthusiasts; it offers something for everyone. Here’s why you should add it to your travel itinerary:
Unique Historical Experience: Seeing the Vasa ship is like stepping into a time capsule. It’s rare to find such a well-preserved piece of history that tells a complete story from construction to rediscovery.
Educational and Engaging: Whether you are a family or individual traveller, you will find the museum’s exhibits to be informative and engaging.
Cultural Insight: The Vasa Museum provides a window into Swedish history and culture during the 17th century. It’s an opportunity to understand the maritime heritage that has shaped Sweden’s past and continues to influence its present.
Stunning Craftsmanship: The Vasa is a masterpiece of shipbuilding. Its detailed carvings and impressive size are a testament to the craftsmanship of the time. Art and history lovers alike will appreciate the intricate designs and the skill that went into creating the ship.
Inspiration and Wonder: The story of the Vasa is one of human ambition, failure, and resilience. It inspires wonder at the achievements of the past and the determination of those who worked to preserve this incredible artifact for future generations.
A visit to the Vasa Museum in Stockholm is a journey through time, offering a unique blend of history, culture and education. Whether exploring the ship itself, delving into the exhibits, or enjoying the interactive experiences, the Vasa Museum provides an unforgettable adventure. So, when you find yourself in Sweden, set aside some time to discover the magic and mystery of the Vasa Ship. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Plan your visit to the Vasa Museum in Stockholm and marvel at the awe-inspiring Vasa Warship, a true gem of maritime history.
© 2024 The Middle Age Wanderer
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30 Responses
I’m a huge museum fan so I definitely think I would enjoy this. Thanks for sharing!
I love museums too and loved the Vasa.
I really enjoyed visiting this museum, thanks for a great recap.
You’re welcome Sharyn. It’s a great museum.
Museums that have interactive experiences are wonderful. Would love to visit the Vasa Museum in Stockholm.
It is definitely worth the visit.
My sons would love this I must boot them in the butt to get travelling lol
Haha definitely give them a little “kick along” 🙂
WOW! This museum looks so impressive esp with the main ship… Hoping to visit Stockholm someday soon…
It’s definitely amazing to see especially considering how long it was under water.
Will have to add this museum to our list of to do things when we visit!
It’s a definite to visit in Stockholm
Maritime history and salvaged boats are right up my alley. I had never heard of the Vasa before, and now I want to go. And I would definitely wear a coat!
You will definitely love it being a maritime history buff. We visited in winter so had warm coats but definitely make sure you take one.
Oh my goodness, capsizing after a mile is sad but also a little funny! I love unique museums like this, with such a specific focus. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Melanie. And agree sad but also a little funny.
An audio guide is the best thing a museum can offer. Love the convenience of being able to go for a self-guided visit.
The audio guide is great for this museum
I’ve been to the Vasa museum in Stockholm! Seeing the ship is super cool but a little bit hilarious that the ship never even made it past the harbor before sinking.
Definitely amazing to see Alaine and yes a little gut funny about not making it out of the harbour.
Thanks for the Info, I have looked into traveling to Stockholm and never thought about going to this museum. When I do traveling here I believe I will check it out now.
Definitely worth the visit when you’re there.
We enjoyed a busy day in Stockholm but missed the Vasa Museum. My ex-navy hubby would have enjoyed a visit here. It would be so cool to see this well persevered old ship. I am amazed by the ornate decorations. Would like to take the audio guide to learn more as we wandered.
Your hubby would definitely love it! And the audio guide is really good.
I visited this museum in 1991. I was so impressed. You really get an understanding of the Viking life at sea. Highly recommend.
It was my second visit. I’d visited in 1980 as a kid so really wanted to go back and see it.
I visited here about ten years ago and found it absolutely astonishing. Everyone should see this. Funny story, I knew my dad would love it so I bought him a video so he could watch it at home. But opps I bought it ins Swedish. LOL.
That sounds like something I would do Laureen! But agree it is amazing.
Looks like such a unique museum, would love to visit!
Well worth the visit Sonia